Infantino is a perfect fit for F.I.F.A. Amusing to see this effete, vain little man creeping around Trump. Two denizens of lower pond-life that deserve each other.
"This year, for the first time, the transfer window has been split into two due to the Club World Cup. The first window ran from June 1-10, it's now closed for six days before reopening (for Premier League clubs at least) on June 16.
As ever, international deals not involving clubs in the Club World Cup, and free transfers, won't go through until July 1."
-------------------
Why the regulating associations didn't just open the TW on June 1st-- and leave it open and unrestricted, has some air of legality to it.
Still, this ought to help with some of the prevalent questions.
I enjoy read Jonathan Wilson articles and he's been writing for a while that Infantino/FIFA is corrupt.
-----------
"Does football need FIFA?
Infantino appears to have no obvious concern beyond revenue generation and the protection of his own position. The expanded World Cup and Club World Cup were presented without consultation. Scrutiny is not something Infantino, as a thoroughly modern leader, can tolerate; the removal of 11 of the 13 members of the Ethics Commission in 2017 is not a sign of a functioning regulatory system.
Bloated tournaments means more games means more money means more to distribute to federations who are then more likely to vote for Infantino."
I see the de Bruyne and Cunha deals are being reported by BBC as being completed today. How has that happened if the TW is supposed to be closed? (they used the words “completed” not “agreed (in principle)
The way Pep is treating Grealish not only reduces his transfer value but I can only imagine what it’s doing to him mentally. Likewise Kyle Walker who’s been such a loyal servant to that club. Surely there are better and classier ways to treat people, or am I just not reading the tea leaves right
We all know it's either win or bust for Mikel the coming season!
What's paramount to me as per transfers is us getting the players we need to move the needle. I know getting bodies in early maters but the excitement would die down faster than a stick of matches if they turn out bad.
It's ridiculous how some people live in perpetually pessimism!
we have been top 2 for 3 years; if we sign the right players then no reason not to be “completely optimistic “. What is the point of being a football fan otherwise?
the definition of ‘top’ is not even up for debate - we came 2nd for 3 successive years therefore we have been top 2 each of those years . What is there to not understand about that ? Only Man City for 2 years and last year Liverpool beat us in the Prem. That means we beat everyone else including financially doped City last year
If you can’t see that this a great platform to build further then there is no hope for you.
I can only imagine what the narrative on this site will be come Christmas if it’s City and Liverpool battling it out for first place and we are middling about and have the same conversations that are now in their third year …. let’s just hope we don’t come into the season still chirping over transfers that weren’t completed
agree with that but for now let’s start with some optimism can we ? At the moment we seem to be making the right moves but the next month will reveal all
Inexplicable really especially from a coach of Tuchel’s pedigree.
Henderson has no business being anywhere near the England set up in 2025.
Feel like Tuchel doesn’t have enough time to get his ideas across, that and the England players can’t/don’t buy into it.
Either way it’s not looking good. Southgate done well to get England to two finals let’s be honest. Not saying he was perfect by any stretch but he knew he had to play some beat dourly to give England a chance. The England players don’t have the technical ability to match that of Spain or France.
Hey Pedro.....isn't Nico Williams already at Bilbao???? .....anyway.....all that aside....I think he's overrated.....there's better deals to be had closer to home.....and for less outlay....hopefully Martinelli will drive on in terms of form next season so while we certainly need cover for the left wing and Rodrygo would be more than welcome....I think our main focus should be on a striker....hopefully Sesko.
We have purchased total flops, pepe, viera, tomi, jesus, cala and others like marqinos who we just buy, loan and when AFC realizes they are not good enough are lucky sell, etc, so our squad is not deep enough to compete.
First Transfer Window: The first window opens shortly after the UEFA Champions League final, allowing clubs to sign players before the FIFA Club World Cup. This window typically lasts for about ten days, enabling teams to register new players in time for the tournament.
Still that guy Gryokeres was top scorer of the nations league for Sweden, one more than Ronaldo, not sure what else the guy gotta do to prove himself, done it in the champions league done it in the nations league so maybe he needs to change his agent or maybe everyone knows he is going man united no matter what.
Pedro I enjoy you writing been a long a time reader. I want to ask or perhaps suggest, with the womens game getting more popular and the fact that Arsenal have now moved all their home games to the emirates, will you cover more of their games in your writing or the AOP? I think it wold be cool. I would defo follow that. What does everyone think?
hi mate, great question... but my reality is I cover one club in my spare time and one club for my fulltime job. If I had to pick up another team to watch, I think it would be divorce papers in the mail. If I can't do something well, I'd rather not do it.
Though I would be open to someone covering the women's team if they wanted to get their writing out there.
“Gravy with a bit of sriracha, if you will”. Fantastic line Pedro!
I struggle with the idea of Rodrygo. The excitement and the intent of bringing him in would set the media on fire, and me along with them. However, I don’t think the LW is the difference maker in this setup and I think the combo of Martinelli and Bossard do a really good job in what they are asked to do.
I just want some answers in beating a low block. Is that Rodrygo? If yes, then get him in.
This is where I'm sold on him because he can find half a yard of space at the edge of the box and bend one in the top corner. He's a big weapon for low-blocks and someone who can find a moment of magic in close games in the CL.
Having him, Saka, Rice and (hopefully) Sesko, 4 players that can be deadly shooting from the edge of the body gives us a whole new dimension.
I also love the idea of teams having to beat us twice, something we haven't had for years (possibly decades?). Imagine a tired defence having to deal with one of Martinelli or Rodrygo running at them for the final 20 minutes. Or Kai or Sesko coming on to terrorise the defenders who have already been run ragged by whichever of the 2 started.
Just having the options alone puts doubt into the opponents and we could get back to those days of having beaten the opposition before stepping onto the pitch.
Got to say I agree with Matt K - Rodrygo is a huge and expensive distraction that could take all summer. If we’re spending that sort of money then Nico Williams makes more sense and we can just operate the release fee if nec
I don't disagree about the saga thing but Nico is a big red flag for me. If he was on a modest wage absolutely, but he's already on insane money without the consistency to back it up.
He could explode and become next level, but I also have a feeling he could be one of those that is semi-retired by his mid 20s.
At least Rodrygo has already done it over a few seasons at the highest level. It's easier to score goals at Madrid, but it's also a far more pressurised environment and he's consistently stayed in the team for years and good enough that he's trusted to be played out of his natural position.
He is the the type of opportunity that is worth waiting a bit longer for, particularly if the CF is wrapped up quickly.
On the assumption that Madrid go far in the CWC, there will be about 6/7 weeks left of the window. It feels like Arsenal (possibly Bayern?!) is the only realistic destination if Rodrygo isn't all about the money, so if Madrid do have a genuine intention to sell, we need to set a cut-off date so that they know we will move on to other targets.
Hopefully the 3 Gabi's are in his ear and Rodrygo can do a bit on his side to aggitate for a move.
He always looks great for Spain and there have been countless examples of players who are way better at international football.
Again I'm not saying he can't bang, I just have this niggly feeling he's never gonna fullfil his potential and I don't like his wages for his age and output so far.
"Full of emotions these last few weeks! To be part of this special club for 6 years has meant so much to me and I’m grateful for every single second of it.
To every member of staff and team mate I’ve had the pleasure of working with, thank you for everything you done for me.
I’m so lucky to have worked with many amazing people who I learned so much from and helped me every day.
To the fans, what a journey these last 6 years have been. All I can really say is thank you for the support and love you’ve given me through the good and the bad times.
I appreciated everything and never took any of it for granted. It’s been fun.
I never thought that Arteta got the best out of Kieran. A great big what if which wasn't helped by his injuries. I'll miss him but great that he got his goal
Infantino is a perfect fit for F.I.F.A. Amusing to see this effete, vain little man creeping around Trump. Two denizens of lower pond-life that deserve each other.
A blurb on the transfer window, per ESPN--
"This year, for the first time, the transfer window has been split into two due to the Club World Cup. The first window ran from June 1-10, it's now closed for six days before reopening (for Premier League clubs at least) on June 16.
As ever, international deals not involving clubs in the Club World Cup, and free transfers, won't go through until July 1."
-------------------
Why the regulating associations didn't just open the TW on June 1st-- and leave it open and unrestricted, has some air of legality to it.
Still, this ought to help with some of the prevalent questions.
I enjoy read Jonathan Wilson articles and he's been writing for a while that Infantino/FIFA is corrupt.
-----------
"Does football need FIFA?
Infantino appears to have no obvious concern beyond revenue generation and the protection of his own position. The expanded World Cup and Club World Cup were presented without consultation. Scrutiny is not something Infantino, as a thoroughly modern leader, can tolerate; the removal of 11 of the 13 members of the Ethics Commission in 2017 is not a sign of a functioning regulatory system.
Bloated tournaments means more games means more money means more to distribute to federations who are then more likely to vote for Infantino."
https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2023/jul/08/fifa-breakaway-threat-gianni-infantino-uefa-conmebol
I see the de Bruyne and Cunha deals are being reported by BBC as being completed today. How has that happened if the TW is supposed to be closed? (they used the words “completed” not “agreed (in principle)
De Bruyne on a free, which may make a difference. Can only assume Cunha was signed two days ago and they chose to announce it today.
I see where Arteta gets his M.O from?
The way Pep is treating Grealish not only reduces his transfer value but I can only imagine what it’s doing to him mentally. Likewise Kyle Walker who’s been such a loyal servant to that club. Surely there are better and classier ways to treat people, or am I just not reading the tea leaves right
We all know it's either win or bust for Mikel the coming season!
What's paramount to me as per transfers is us getting the players we need to move the needle. I know getting bodies in early maters but the excitement would die down faster than a stick of matches if they turn out bad.
It's ridiculous how some people live in perpetually pessimism!
It is ridiculous to continue to be completely optimistic when AFC have not won a title in over 20 years!
Yes being a doom merchant is so much more satisfying.
we have been top 2 for 3 years; if we sign the right players then no reason not to be “completely optimistic “. What is the point of being a football fan otherwise?
We have been pushing towards the top and failed to deliver against the doped up super clubs, Pool not included.
Could have been top, if not for poor player management and a couple of limp ends to the year.
Your definition of 'top' is different from mine, and perhaps that of many others.
Top means, "In sports, "top" primarily signifies the highest level or ranking of something," not 2nd, 3rd or 1000th.
the definition of ‘top’ is not even up for debate - we came 2nd for 3 successive years therefore we have been top 2 each of those years . What is there to not understand about that ? Only Man City for 2 years and last year Liverpool beat us in the Prem. That means we beat everyone else including financially doped City last year
If you can’t see that this a great platform to build further then there is no hope for you.
Top 1 is what matters, sorry to break the news to you. Good overall season, barring the man made injuries, and fading down the stretch, again.
You are telling me we finished strong?
We faded sir.
Arteta put 3+ stars in the hospital, and almost had 2 more.
We were not even f'm close this year, period!
All so predictable.
Who knows if those players that had hamstring injuries and surgeries will even return to their peak best, and Rice and Martinelli almost went pop too.
'Completely optimistic'
Never heard that phrase? What's the difference between being optimistic/hopeful and 'completely optimistic'?
If there are degrees of optimism then being half optimistic must mean you're half pessimistic!
Doesn't really clear things up!
I can only imagine what the narrative on this site will be come Christmas if it’s City and Liverpool battling it out for first place and we are middling about and have the same conversations that are now in their third year …. let’s just hope we don’t come into the season still chirping over transfers that weren’t completed
agree with that but for now let’s start with some optimism can we ? At the moment we seem to be making the right moves but the next month will reveal all
I’ve listened to Hopium ad nauseam but unfortunately have seen this move one time too many. Fool me once … you know the rest of the saying …
I’m just watching emotionlessly …
That's why this season it's either bang or bust for Mr.Arteta...
Tuchel having Jordon Henderson in the squad let alone actually playing him is a sackable offence.
Look at how England’s midfield performed over the last 2 games and compare it to Spain’s, France and even Portugal.
Play like that and England will be in the first plane back from the States next summer. I think we all know how it will end anyway!
That lineup Tuchel fielded was-- just, horrible.
If you drew names from a hat, it could not have been worse.
How was it justified? That he wanted to see which of his charges deserved the least minutes?
When you only have 'X' number of matches to prep for the upcoming WC-- how is it you decide to piss away valuable gametime?
Inexplicable really especially from a coach of Tuchel’s pedigree.
Henderson has no business being anywhere near the England set up in 2025.
Feel like Tuchel doesn’t have enough time to get his ideas across, that and the England players can’t/don’t buy into it.
Either way it’s not looking good. Southgate done well to get England to two finals let’s be honest. Not saying he was perfect by any stretch but he knew he had to play some beat dourly to give England a chance. The England players don’t have the technical ability to match that of Spain or France.
Hey Pedro.....isn't Nico Williams already at Bilbao???? .....anyway.....all that aside....I think he's overrated.....there's better deals to be had closer to home.....and for less outlay....hopefully Martinelli will drive on in terms of form next season so while we certainly need cover for the left wing and Rodrygo would be more than welcome....I think our main focus should be on a striker....hopefully Sesko.
6 out yet?
6 players in yet?
Top clubs making moves before window 1 closed.
AFC sign a back up keeper.
Top clubs need signings for the club cup.
Is that the excuse you are making for yourself??
Excuse?
What are you on about?
Meaning, that Arsenal are a top club, does not matter about club cup, and AFC have a way of underwhelming their way through the windows.
Yes, Declan, Saliba, Gabriel are big signings, but this is over 5 years.
Name one since Sol, Berkamp, Viera and Henry etc.
One has to go wayyyy back to even find one, and one has to go way back since AFC have won a title, see the connection??
Saka was developed in house and those don't count as external signings.
That is what I mean.
What did you mean?
'Yes, Declan, Saliba, Gabriel are big signings, but this is over 5 years.
Name one since Sol, Berkamp, Viera and Henry etc.'
You answered your own question in the line above - 'Declan, Saliba, Gabriel'...!
Bob,
1 star every 18 months will not get you there, if AFC are trying to squad build along the way.
Bergkamp 1995 Vieira 1996, Henry 1999, Campbell 2001....by my reckoning that's six years!
By my reckoning they had a full squad who played games and rotated!
Check 2006 CL defense for reference.
You’ve changed the topic….
Okay, back to your topic.
We have purchased total flops, pepe, viera, tomi, jesus, cala and others like marqinos who we just buy, loan and when AFC realizes they are not good enough are lucky sell, etc, so our squad is not deep enough to compete.
Again, 1 star every 18 months is not good enough.
Meaning...
First Transfer Window: The first window opens shortly after the UEFA Champions League final, allowing clubs to sign players before the FIFA Club World Cup. This window typically lasts for about ten days, enabling teams to register new players in time for the tournament.
Yes, I get that.
Is not AFC allowed to sign players during that window?
If not, my bad, if so; here we are.
Again. that's not what I said.
In simple terms, I said clubs that top clubs contesting the club worldcup would use the first window to bolster their squads.
A perfectly simple comment that you have managed to turn into something entirely different for unfathomable reasons.
Still that guy Gryokeres was top scorer of the nations league for Sweden, one more than Ronaldo, not sure what else the guy gotta do to prove himself, done it in the champions league done it in the nations league so maybe he needs to change his agent or maybe everyone knows he is going man united no matter what.
Would’ve bitten at anything up to 15m a year gross for Sane, but 22m is definitely a bit rich for my blood.
Pedro I enjoy you writing been a long a time reader. I want to ask or perhaps suggest, with the womens game getting more popular and the fact that Arsenal have now moved all their home games to the emirates, will you cover more of their games in your writing or the AOP? I think it wold be cool. I would defo follow that. What does everyone think?
hi mate, great question... but my reality is I cover one club in my spare time and one club for my fulltime job. If I had to pick up another team to watch, I think it would be divorce papers in the mail. If I can't do something well, I'd rather not do it.
Though I would be open to someone covering the women's team if they wanted to get their writing out there.
Assuming Arsenal is your “spare time” club, I’m curious who your “full time job” club is. (If that’s NOMB, understood.)
“Gravy with a bit of sriracha, if you will”. Fantastic line Pedro!
I struggle with the idea of Rodrygo. The excitement and the intent of bringing him in would set the media on fire, and me along with them. However, I don’t think the LW is the difference maker in this setup and I think the combo of Martinelli and Bossard do a really good job in what they are asked to do.
I just want some answers in beating a low block. Is that Rodrygo? If yes, then get him in.
This is where I'm sold on him because he can find half a yard of space at the edge of the box and bend one in the top corner. He's a big weapon for low-blocks and someone who can find a moment of magic in close games in the CL.
Having him, Saka, Rice and (hopefully) Sesko, 4 players that can be deadly shooting from the edge of the body gives us a whole new dimension.
I also love the idea of teams having to beat us twice, something we haven't had for years (possibly decades?). Imagine a tired defence having to deal with one of Martinelli or Rodrygo running at them for the final 20 minutes. Or Kai or Sesko coming on to terrorise the defenders who have already been run ragged by whichever of the 2 started.
Just having the options alone puts doubt into the opponents and we could get back to those days of having beaten the opposition before stepping onto the pitch.
Got to say I agree with Matt K - Rodrygo is a huge and expensive distraction that could take all summer. If we’re spending that sort of money then Nico Williams makes more sense and we can just operate the release fee if nec
I don't disagree about the saga thing but Nico is a big red flag for me. If he was on a modest wage absolutely, but he's already on insane money without the consistency to back it up.
He could explode and become next level, but I also have a feeling he could be one of those that is semi-retired by his mid 20s.
At least Rodrygo has already done it over a few seasons at the highest level. It's easier to score goals at Madrid, but it's also a far more pressurised environment and he's consistently stayed in the team for years and good enough that he's trusted to be played out of his natural position.
He is the the type of opportunity that is worth waiting a bit longer for, particularly if the CF is wrapped up quickly.
On the assumption that Madrid go far in the CWC, there will be about 6/7 weeks left of the window. It feels like Arsenal (possibly Bayern?!) is the only realistic destination if Rodrygo isn't all about the money, so if Madrid do have a genuine intention to sell, we need to set a cut-off date so that they know we will move on to other targets.
Hopefully the 3 Gabi's are in his ear and Rodrygo can do a bit on his side to aggitate for a move.
Would Gabi M be doing that - it’s his place that he will take!
Did you see him vs Portugal in the nations league final? He looked good!
He always looks great for Spain and there have been countless examples of players who are way better at international football.
Again I'm not saying he can't bang, I just have this niggly feeling he's never gonna fullfil his potential and I don't like his wages for his age and output so far.
Kieran Tierney is off back up north -
"Full of emotions these last few weeks! To be part of this special club for 6 years has meant so much to me and I’m grateful for every single second of it.
To every member of staff and team mate I’ve had the pleasure of working with, thank you for everything you done for me.
I’m so lucky to have worked with many amazing people who I learned so much from and helped me every day.
To the fans, what a journey these last 6 years have been. All I can really say is thank you for the support and love you’ve given me through the good and the bad times.
I appreciated everything and never took any of it for granted. It’s been fun.
North London forever ❤️"
I never thought that Arteta got the best out of Kieran. A great big what if which wasn't helped by his injuries. I'll miss him but great that he got his goal
🥈